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BluesDawg 01-15-11 08:55 AM


Originally Posted by Bare Feet (Post 12079099)
My mirror came. BluesDawg, if you install yours anytime soon and think you have some installation tips that may be helpful, I'd appreciate you posting them. Thanks!

Mine went on pretty easily just as described in the instructions that came with it. Except they are written as if the tape is wrapped from the top down where I and most everyone wraps tape from the bar end up. I removed the tape from the left handlebar, slipped the mirror over the end of the bar, taped the mirror in place with electrical tape and rewrapped the tape - starting by using electrical tape to hold the wrap in place under the bar at the edge of the mirror mount.

I haven't had a chance to try it on the road yet. Probably later today if I have time before my MTB ride.

smoore 01-15-11 09:35 AM

BluesDawg,
Great looking bike. Have your ridden the new one back-to-back with your old bike (TCR?) to compare the two?

Someone mentioned the Zertz inserts earlier. I went to Roswell bikes about a month ago and rode The Specialized Roubaix and Tarmac. I was prepared not to feel any difference because I had always assumed the Zertz inserts were pure marketing hype. However I was very surprised to find that the Roubaix was less "buzzy". They difference wasn't huge, but it was there. However, I still don't care for the dog leg look of the seat stays.

Again, great looking bike. Do you mind mentioning where you purchased it? I'm thinking a Roubaix or Madone may be my first carbon bike. We'll see what happens after I do my taxes. :)

t4mv 01-15-11 12:14 PM


Originally Posted by BluesDawg (Post 12080870)
Mine went on pretty easily just as described in the instructions that came with it. Except they are written as if the tape is wrapped from the top down where I and most everyone wraps tape from the bar end up. ...

I think if one had multiple bikes (not an unreasonable assumption around here) and wanted to use it on them, and one didn't really care what the aesthetics were, then just slip it over the existing hbar tape and keep it anchored and positioned with electrical tape. Use the closest matching color, if you're OCP, or whatever. ;)

RonH 01-15-11 05:29 PM


Originally Posted by t4mv (Post 12081724)
I think if one had multiple bikes (not an unreasonable assumption around here) and wanted to use it on them, and one didn't really care what the aesthetics were, then just slip it over the existing hbar tape and keep it anchored and positioned with electrical tape. Use the closest matching color, if you're OCP, or whatever. ;)

Does this thinking also apply to other bike stuff, like pumps, seat packs, bottle cages, computer, etc.? :rolleyes:

BluesDawg 01-15-11 08:38 PM


Originally Posted by smoore (Post 12081011)
BluesDawg,
Great looking bike. Have your ridden the new one back-to-back with your old bike (TCR?) to compare the two?

Someone mentioned the Zertz inserts earlier. I went to Roswell bikes about a month ago and rode The Specialized Roubaix and Tarmac. I was prepared not to feel any difference because I had always assumed the Zertz inserts were pure marketing hype. However I was very surprised to find that the Roubaix was less "buzzy". They difference wasn't huge, but it was there. However, I still don't care for the dog leg look of the seat stays.

Again, great looking bike. Do you mind mentioning where you purchased it? I'm thinking a Roubaix or Madone may be my first carbon bike. We'll see what happens after I do my taxes. :)

Thanks. I don't have and have never ridden a TCR. Unfortunately I can't ride the bike the Roubaix is replacing (Bridgestone RB-1) as it was fatally wounded when hit by a car. Betty is a bit more comfortable and a little less quick handling than Ribby and much stiffer laterally, especially in the bottom bracket. Compared to my Salsa Casseroll, this bike is similar in layout and handling, but rides a little smoother and is much lighter.

There are more differences than just the zerts between the Tarmac and Roubaix which may affect the smoothness, but the Roubaix is an exceptionally smooth bike.

I bought the bike from the only LBS in my town, Oconee Outfitters. They are a small shop but I have been a loyal customer and friends with the owners and the manager for several years and they treat me very well.

cccorlew 01-15-11 08:50 PM

I made a blog post that explains Zertz technology.
http://ccorlew.blogspot.com/search?q=zertz

NOS88 01-16-11 08:43 AM


Originally Posted by cccorlew (Post 12083512)
I made a blog post that explains Zertz technology.
http://ccorlew.blogspot.com/search?q=zertz

I don't want to hijack the thread, but will for just one quick offering. There seems to be some evidence that vibrations can build bone and reduce fat. With that, said, I lkie the ride my SWorks Roubaix provides. And, I suspect that you, BD, will be pleased for years to come.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...92&ft=1&f=1001

smoore 01-16-11 09:14 AM


Originally Posted by NOS88 (Post 12084722)
I don't want to hijack the thread, but will for just one quick offering. There seems to be some evidence that vibrations can build bone and reduce fat. With that, said, I lkie the ride my SWorks Roubaix provides. And, I suspect that you, BD, will be pleased for years to come.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...92&ft=1&f=1001

Great! I'll put my '84 Cannondale on the road again and I should be good to go for decades. At 50cm it rides like it is made of cement.

NOS88 01-16-11 11:16 AM


Originally Posted by smoore (Post 12084794)
Great! I'll put my '84 Cannondale on the road again and I should be good to go for decades. At 50cm it rides like it is made of cement.

:lol: I had an 84 C'Dale too. It gave new meaning to the work stiff.

I was actually offering the article a bit tongue-in-cheek. I suspect any riding will provide "adequate" vibration.

BluesDawg 01-16-11 06:58 PM

Another beautiful sunny day in the 50s and another fun ride. Three friends from the club and I rode 32 miles of backroads. The bike's smoothness and stiffness continue to amaze me. Very comfortable on even the rough roads and unshakable when standing and pounding up a hill.
The bar end mirror worked well and never gave a shaky image.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/63817042

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluesda...39520306/show/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/...b19b554e_z.jpg
DSCF0637 by BluesDawg, on Flickr

Bare Feet 01-17-11 07:04 PM


Originally Posted by cccorlew (Post 12083512)
I made a blog post that explains Zertz technology.
http://ccorlew.blogspot.com/search?q=zertz

I think My Lil Pony is the next one to be featured in Adventure Cycling's brochure! She & her new bike are a perfect pair!! :thumb:

cccorlew 01-17-11 07:49 PM


Originally Posted by Bare Feet (Post 12091777)
I think My Lil Pony is the next one to be featured in Adventure Cycling's brochure! She & her new bike are a perfect pair!! :thumb:

Actually, page 28 of their current catalog!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/...60188347d1.jpg
Tricia and the Adventure Cycling catalog by ccorlew, on Flickr

qcpmsame 01-17-11 09:01 PM

I really like the Robaix. I always said I'd always stay Cannondale and I love my R500T but our LBS for Cannondale also carries Specialized and I looked at one back before Christmas. It is on my list for the new bike I am contemplating now. Nice bike you have there. Enjoy your reports and information so far.

Bill

BluesDawg 01-30-11 06:10 PM

I took a few pictures today of Betty showing the setup I have settled on for now. I hope the fashion police are OK with the new seat bag. ;)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/...76012596_b.jpg
DSCF0718 by BluesDawg, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/...0b4d6409_z.jpg
DSCF0719 by BluesDawg, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/...a72faf67_z.jpg
DSCF0720 by BluesDawg, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/...6675aa7077.jpg
DSCF0721 by BluesDawg, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/...b0dc4e5b_z.jpg
DSCF0722 by BluesDawg, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/...df99e617fc.jpg
DSCF0723 by BluesDawg, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/...8ac8b777_z.jpg
DSCF0724 by BluesDawg, on Flickr

cccorlew 01-30-11 06:15 PM

Fashion police approved.

Louis 01-30-11 10:41 PM

If I ever (gasp) crossover to the CF side, I want you to render your advice first. Well done sir.:beer:

DnvrFox 01-30-11 10:47 PM

That is one gorgeous bike!!

NOS88 01-31-11 12:00 PM

Sweet looking ride. How long you been using the mirrors on the bar ends? I'm thinking of a getting some, but hear mixed reviews.

BluesDawg 01-31-11 02:07 PM


Originally Posted by NOS88 (Post 12159078)
Sweet looking ride. How long you been using the mirrors on the bar ends? I'm thinking of a getting some, but hear mixed reviews.

Just a few weeks. At first I tried a larger mirror that attached via an adjustable arm, but it was just too big visually and kept bumping into things and getting knocked out of place. The one I'm using now (recommended earlier in this thread) fits over the bar end and is wrapped with the bar under the bar wrap. It looks much better, stays in place and works well at giving me a view of what is coming up behind me. No vibrations.

I had used a bar end mirror many years ago before I started using bar end shifters. I don't remember what kind. I tried helmet and eyeglass arm mounted mirrors before that but could not adjust to using them.


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